Articles

Evolution Fails in British Poll

Evolution fails in a British opinion poll according to BBC news, 26 Jan 2006. In a recent survey of over 2,000 people in Britain just over half were sceptical of evolution. The survey asked people what best described the origin and development of life. The results were (as quoted in the BBC article): 22% chose creationism 17% opted for intelligent design 48% selected evolution theory and the rest (13%) did not know.

The survey also gave people a choice of three descriptions for the development of life on Earth, and asked which one or ones they would like to see taught in science lessons in British schools. The results were: 44% said creationism should be included 41% intelligent design 69% wanted evolution as part of the science curriculum.

The survey was commissioned by the BBC, whilst making a documentary entitled "A War on Science" which looks at the Intelligent Design debate in US schools. The documentary has recently been broadcast as part of the "Horizon" series on BBC TV. Andrew Cohen, editor of Horizon, commented: "I think that this poll represents our first introduction to the British public's views on this issue. Most people would have expected the public to go for evolution theory, but it seems there are lots of people who appear to believe in an alternative theory for life's origins."

The results surprised many scientists. Lord Martin Rees, President of the Royal Society, said: "It is surprising that many should still be sceptical of Darwinian evolution. Darwin proposed his theory nearly 150 years ago, and it is now supported by an immense weight of evidence."

Editorial Comment: As one the world leading promoters of evolution, the BBC certainly would be surprised at these results. The title of their documentary is part of an increasing trend in both the professional and lay literature to make the word "evolution" mean "science," and therefore label all challenges to the theory of evolution as challenges to science. However, in spite of protestations that understanding evolution is essential for understanding life, evolution means little to most people, and deep down they know they are not just results of millions of chance random accidents and Darwin's "war of nature". As Paul wrote in Romans 1:20, For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse. (Ref. opinions, beliefs, sceptics)